No. 1 Fresno State vs.
No. 8 New Mexico State
The Fresno State Bulldogs dominated the conference season, boasting a 13-1 WAC record. Their opponent, New Mexico State, has struggled all year and won three conference games. The Bulldogs defeated New Mexico State in both meetings this year, most recently Saturday, when they beat the Aggies 79-43. There’s no reason to think this meeting will be any different.
Edge: Fresno State
No. 2 Utah State vs.
No. 7 Nevada
Utah State claimed its first 20-win regular season Saturday when it beat San Jose State. The Aggies have been solid all season, amassing an 11-3 WAC record. Nevada has had its share of struggles this season, but managed to finish the season on a two-game win streak to climb out of last place. Nevada has the potential to be a party crasher, but it’s not likely against Utah State’s offensive firepower.
Edge: Utah State
No. 3 La. Tech vs.
No. 6 Hawaii
La. Tech hasn’t been its usual powerhouse this season, but is good enough to make an impact in the first round. The Lady Techsters finished the season with an 8-6 conference record. Hawaii looked like it had a No. 4 or No. 5 seed locked up, but lost its last two games and fell back to No. 7. This game could go either way. The Rainbow Wahine swept the Techsters this season and considering La. Tech ended the season on a losing note, an upset is probable.
Edge: Hawaii
No. 4 Idaho vs. No. 5 San Jose State:
After a dismal start to the season the Vandals came alive, winning six of the last nine games of the season, including their last two to boost them from a No. 6 to No. 4 seed. San Jose State had its best season in years with a conference record of 6-8 and one of the top scorers in the league Brittany Johnson. The Vandals swept the Spartans in two close games. Either team could take this win, but the Vandals carry momentum after finishing the season with two wins while the Spartans lost their last two.
Edge: Idaho